East Coast Alerts

By Mel Neale 8/1/2013

Snows Cut Bridge Reduced Vertical Clearance During Fall Snowbird Season:
Mariners are advised that rehabilitation work will be conducted at the US 421/Snows Cut Bridge (34.055532° -77.899558°) across AICW mile 295.7, at Carolina Beach, NC beginning October 1, 2013 through January 1, 2014. To facilitate the work, a snooper truck will periodically reduce the available vertical clearance to approximately 59 feet above MHW. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. (Fifth District Bridge Branch)*

*Italicized text above and below indicates our comment or paraphrase.Plain textis copied from the Notices to Mariners or other sources given.

AICW Mile 2.6 Bridge to Close During Daytime Hours, 4 Days in August:
Mariners are advised that the Belt Line Railroad Bridge (36.811642°-76.290465°), at AICW mile 2.6, across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth and Chesapeake VA, will be closed to vessels requiring an opening to facilitate mechanical and electrical upgrades from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Monday August 12, 2013 and each day, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, August 13, 14, and 15, 2013, respectively. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies with a one hour advanced notification on marine channel 13 or by calling 757-271-1741 or 757-633-2241. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.997(a). Mariners should adjust their transits accordingly. (Fifth District Bridge Branch)

Wrightsville Beach Bridge to Close for a Day for Repairs:
To facilitate mechanical repairs, mariners are advised that the S.R. 74 Bridge (34.216103° -77.812750°) across AICW mile 283.1, at Wrightsville Beach NC will now be closed to vessels requiring an opening beginning at 7 p.m., on Monday, August 19, 2013 until and including at 7 p.m., on Tuesday August 20, 2013. In the event of inclement weather, the alternate dates and times will begin at 7 p.m., on Monday August 26, 2013 ending at 7 p.m., on Tuesday August 27, 2013. During this closure period, emergency vessel openings will be provided if notice is given to the bridge tender at (910) 256-4519 or via marine radio on channel 13 VHF. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.821(a) (4). Currently in the closed position to vessels for structural repairs, the available vertical clearance is reduced to approximately 18 feet above MHW. Vessels that can pass under the drawbridge without an opening may do so at any time. Mariners should adjust their transits accordingly and use extreme caution when transiting the area. (Fifth District Bridge Branch)

General Announcements

Lat/Long Positions in Alerts:Lat/Long positions derived from Google Earth will be given for significant places in the Alerts, such as bridge locations. These will be in italics, and in the following format: (xx.xxxxxx°-xx.xxxxxx°) for locations new with this alert. Where a Lat/Long position is copied from a USCG Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) or from the Light Lists, it will be in whatever format the Coast Guard has used which varies between districts and LNM and Light List writers, and will be in plain text, rather than italics. Some positions are approximate. We do not provide this information for navigational purposes and it should not be used as such.

USCG First District
Coastal Waters from Eastport, Maine to Shrewsbury, New Jersey

Penobscot Bay Obstruction:
An obstruction with depth unknown has been reported in position 44-10-37.026N 068-48-18.006W, approximately 300 yards southeast of Downfall Island on a bearing of 178 degrees true. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution while transiting the area. (First District LNM Week 31/2013)

NH Surveys for Bridge Construction:
Smith Marine Inc. will begin conducting preconstruction geotechnical surveys to determine subsurface conditions of the Piscataqua River in the vicinity of the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge (43.085835° -70.760866°) in Portsmouth, NH. These tests will help ensure the designers utilize properly-sized piers and supporting foundations for the new bridge.
This geotechnical work is scheduled to take approximately 6 weeks to complete. The testing operations will be conducted by small drilling rigs starting the week of July 29, 2013. The test-boring operations will run from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. While most of the work will be conducted outside of the main navigation channel, eight of the proposed test boring locations will be within the limits of the federal navigation channel. Mariners are advised to transit the main channel carefully, reduce wake and exercise extreme caution when transiting the area. For additional information concerning this project, please contact Mr. Matt Plauche with Smith Marine Inc. at (978) 375-4129 or matt@smithmarineinc.com (First District LNM Week 31/2013)

Survey off NH and MA Coast:
The research vessel "Sea Lion V" will be towing an array of sensors conducting a geophysical survey from Seabrook NH around Cape Ann (42.648118°-70.569717°) to Nahant and Revere MA .The work will be done from July 15, 2013 until approximately August 27, 2013. The "Sea Lion V" will mark the corridor it is surveying with high flyers. At times the "Sea Lion V" may be restricted in its maneuverability. Concerned traffic shall hail the "Sea Lion V" on VHF-fm channel 13/16 or at 727-214-2383. All mariners are urged to avoid the corridors the "Sea Lion V" is surveying. (First District LNM Week 28/2013)

Boston Light to Become MRASS:Another in the long list of Marine Radio Activated Sound Signal (MRASS) for fog:
The Coast Guard is considering making the following changes to Aids to Navigation to this waterway: CHANGE Boston Light (LLNR 425) (42-19-40.855N, 070-53-24.266W) fog signal to radio activated by the mariner. During times of reduced visibility, mariners are requested to turn their VHF-FM radio to channel 81A/157.075Mhz. By keying their microphone, 5 times consecutively, while on channel 81A, this will activate the fog signal for 45 minutes. Interested Mariners are strongly encouraged to comment on this proposal in writing, either personally or through their organization. All comments will be carefully considered and are requested prior to 30 August 2013 to complete the process. Refer to Project No. 01-13-090. In addition to the address listed on the front cover, e-mail can be sent to: Jack.J.McLaughlin@uscg.mil and faxes to (617) 223-8291. (First District LNM Week 29/2013)

NOAA Hydrographic Survey Operations:
NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson (S222) will be conducting hydrographic survey operations throughout Buzzards Bay and Rhode Island Sound from 1 August 2013 through 30 September 2013.
Thomas Jefferson is a 208-foot, white survey vessel and deploys two 31-foot, aluminum survey launches; survey vessels carry NOAA markings, can be identified on AIS, and will be monitoring VHF channels 13 and 16. Survey operations will be conducted 24-hrs a day from the ship and from 0730 through 1800 with survey launches. Mariners are requested to exercise caution when transiting the operational area. When towed hydrographic instrumentation is deployed, Thomas Jefferson will be restricted in her ability to maneuver. An overview of the survey area is shown below. Questions or concerns can be addressed to the ship's Field Operations Officer via phone at: 757-647-0187 or 808-434-2706; or via email at: ops.thomas.jefferson@noaa.gov. (First District LNM Week 11, 2013)

Hydrographic Surveys in NH:
NOAA Ship Ferdinand R. Hassler (S250) will be conducting hydrographic survey operations in the approaches to Portsmouth, NH from approximately 1 August 2013 through 30 September 2013. Ferdinand R. Hassler is a 124-foot, white, twin-hulled survey vessel and deploys a 25-foot survey launch; survey vessels have NOAA markings, can be identified on AIS, and will be monitoring VHF channels 13 and 16. Survey operations will be conducted 24-hrs a day from the ship and during daylight hours with the survey launch. Mariners are requested to exercise caution when transiting the operational area. When towed hydrographic instrumentation is deployed, Ferdinand R. Hassler will be restricted in her ability to maneuver. ... Questions or concerns can be addressed to the ship's Field Operations Officer via phone at: (603) 812-8748 or via email at: ops.ferdinand.hassler@noaa.gov. (First District LNM Week 20/2013)

Bristol RI Fish Pier Construction:
From August 1 to August 31, 2013, a 50' X 200' spud barge with a crane onboard will be moored by the fish pier at Colt State Park (41.682564° -71.300221°), North Point, Popasquash Neck, Bristol, RI. A contractor for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) will be making improvements to the fish pier.
The barge will not extend approximately into the adjacent navigable channel. The barge will be lighted at night by four white lights mounted on each corner, with a minimum visibility of one nautical mile. The contractor for RI DEM is Cardi Corporation, whose on-site project manager is Mr. Albert Noviello who may be reached at 401-641-8453. Mariners should use extra caution when transiting in the vicinity of the moored spud barge at Colt State Park from August 1 to August 31, 2013. (First District LNM Week 31/2013)

Flare Demo and Training in Narragansett Bay:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be conducting flare demonstrations and training on August 1, 2013 from 1000 to noon at the waterfront of the University of Rhode Island Narragansett Bay Campus (41.491582° -71.420017°), West Passage, Narragansett Bay. The Environmental Protection Agency will make a SECURITE call on VHF CH-16 prior to commencing the training. Mariners who have questions regarding the event can contact Mr. Donald Cobb at 401-782-9616 or Cobb.Donald@epa.gov. The rain date for the training is the following day August 2, 2013. As always, mariners are advised to use extreme caution, especially when navigating in the vicinity of the University of Rhode Island Narragansett Bay Campus. Any issues experienced on the waterway in the vicinity of the event should be reported to Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England via VHF channels 16 or 22, or by phone at 508-457-3211. These are monitored continuously. Questions regarding this notice may be addressed to Mr. Edward G. LeBlanc at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England, 401-435-2351, or Edward.G.LeBlanc@uscg.mil. (First District LNM Week 30/2013)

Point Judith Harbor of Refuge Light to be Disestablished:
The Coast Guard is considering making the following changes to Aids to Navigation to this waterway:
DISESTABLISH: Point Judith Harbor of Refuge Main Breakwater Center Light (LLNR 19495) (41-21-15.300N, 071-30-26.300W). Interested Mariners are strongly encouraged to comment on this proposal in writing, either personally or through their organization. All comments will be carefully considered and are requested prior to 16 August 2013 to complete the process. Refer to Project No. 01-13-088. In addition to the address listed on the front cover, e-mail can be sent to: Jack.J.McLaughlin@uscg.mil and faxes to (617) 223-8291. (First District LNM Week 28/2013)

Dredging, Various Anchored Barges, Near Tappan Zee Bridge:
Dredging is being down in the Hudson River upstream and parallel of the Tappan Zee Bridge (41.068388°-73.895171°). Excavation is in the shallow water to the east & west side of the Federal Navigation Channel. Various barges are anchored outside the Federal Navigation Channel upstream of the bridge. The hours of operation are 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. On scene are the dredges WEEKS 506 & 551, tugs & barges that are lit. The dredge and tugs are monitoring VHF-FM channel 13 & 16. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution and transit the area at their slowest safe speed to create minimum wake after passing arrangements have been made. (First District LNM Week 31/2013)

Helo Exercises at West Point, NY:
The U.S. Army and West Point Fire Department (41.396307°-73.953080°) will be conducting personnel lifting operations by helicopter on Aug 7 from 0830-1200 near the north dock. (First District LNM Week 31/2013)

USCG Fifth District
Coastal Waters from Shrewsbury River, New Jersey to Little River, South Carolina

Great Egg Harbor Bridge Construction Update:
Mariners are advised that marine work consisting of several activities including but not limited to test pile installation, temporary cofferdam construction, pier substructure construction, superstructure erection and demolition are in progress through March 2015 for the replacement of the existing southbound bridges carrying the Garden State Parkway, at mile 3.5, over Great Egg Harbor Bay (GEHB) (39.294635° -74.621799° ) located in Upper Township, Cape May County and the Township of Egg Harbor and at mile 3.5, over Drag Channel located in the City of Somers Point in Atlantic County, NJ. In addition to replacing the southbound causeway, the project includes the demolition of the remaining portions of the Beesely's Point Bridge (US Route 9 over GEHB and Drag Channel). Daily hours of construction operations are Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with second shift and 24-hour operations scheduled for specific activities. It is anticipated that closure or reduced horizontal clearance of the navigational channels for GEHB and Drag Channel Bridges will be required. Mariners should check for future notices on these projects and use extreme caution when transiting the areas. (5th District LNM Week 30/2013)

Shoaling off NJ Coast:
In the wake of a pipeline leak from the replenishment of Surf City Beach, shoaling has been reported approx 1/2 mile off of Surf City Beach, Long Beach Island, NJ, at 39-39.61N, 074-09.122W. The center of the area is marked with a large white lighted buoy and a white lighted danger buoy 25ft seaward. There is approx a 30ft radius at elevation 5ft MLW, which drops off to 15ft at a 75ft radius, and 25ft at a 150ft radius. Mariners should transit the area with extreme caution. (5th District LNM Week 30/2013)

Clearance Reductions at JFK Memorial Bridge, NJ:
Mariners are advised to take caution when approaching the construction site for the repairs of the superstructure and piles at the JFK Memorial Bridge (39.315156° -74.528436°), at mile 1.1, over Risley Channel in Borough of Longport, NJ from August 1, 2013 through March 21, 2014. Safety netting and snooper cranes will reduce the available vertical clearance to approximately 20 feet, above MHW. In addition, barges will restrict and reduce the available horizontal clearance to approximately 50 feet. However, the navigable channel shall remain open with these restrictions. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 30/2013)

Cape May Harbor Dredging:
The Dredge FULLERTON will be conducting dredging operations in Cape May Harbor (38.965537° -74.958597°) from 22 July until 22 September, 2013. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16 and can be contacted at 609-709-9900. (5th District LNM Week 30/2013)

Marine Construction, Eagle Point Terminal, Delaware River:
Mariners are advised that repairs and rehabilitation operations will be conducted at the Sunoco Logistic Dock #3 in the Delaware River at Eagle Point Terminal from July 29, 2013 until November 1, 2013. All mariners are requested to stay clear of the crane barge, operating wires, anchors, small boats, and tenders associated with the marine construction. The dock is located at Latitude 39-52.728'N., Longitude 75-09.575'W. Mariners can contact the Crane Barge Hercules on VHF channels 13 or 16 or by calling 609-352-3679. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area and maintain minimum speed to reduce wake. (5th District LNM Week 30/2013)

Tacony-Palmyra Bridge to be Closed to Navigation and Reduced Vertical Clearance:
Mariners are advised that deck replacement work will be performed at the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge (40.011560° -75.043101°), at mile 107.2, across the Delaware River between Tacony PA, and Palmyra NJ. To facilitate the work, the drawbridge will be maintained in the closed position to vessels from 9 p.m., on Friday, August 16, 2013 until and including 9 p.m., on Friday, August 30, 2013. In addition, the available vertical clearance will be reduced during the resurfacing by approximately three feet to 50 feet, above mean high water. Vessels able to pass under the closed span may do so at anytime; mariners should adjust their transits accordingly and exercise caution when transiting the area. Chart 12314 (5th District LNM Week 28/2013)

Indian River Inlet Updates:
Due to the sufficient water depths in Indian River Inlet (38.607946°-75.063576°) and the multiple aids to navigation in the area, the Coast Guard is proposing to discontinue the following aids to navigation:
A. Indian River Inlet Buoy 5 (LLNR 4385)
B. Indian River Inlet Buoy 7 (LLNR 4390)
C. Indian River Inlet Buoy 9 (LLNR 4395)
Indian River Inlet Buoy 11 (LLNR 4400) and Indian River Inlet Buoy 12 (4405) will be relocated to less than one mile west of the Indian River Bridge in order to provide safe passage into Indian River Bay. Send comments no later than 9 August 2013 to:
Commander (dpw), Fifth Coast Guard District, 431 Crawford Street, Rm.100, Portsmouth, VA. 23704, Attn.: Chris O'Neal Or email to: Christopher.A.ONeal@uscg.mil(5th District LNM Week 29/2013)
Dredge BECHTOTL will be conducting dredging operations in Indian River Inlet commencing 18 July until 01 October, 2013. A submerged dredge pipe will traverse the inlet. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 67. (5th District LNM Week 29/2013)
As of 24 July, 2013, the Coast Highway I Bridge (38.607946° -75.063576°) pier removal project over Indian River Inlet has been completed and all related equipment has been cleared from the area. Mariners are advised of ongoing dredging operations. (5th District LNM Week 31/2013)

AMTRAK Susquehanna River Bridge In-Water Inspection:
Mariners are advised that engineering consultants, on behalf of AMTRAK, will be performing in-water inspection work at the AMTRAK Swing Bridge (39.554132° -76.086338°) at mile 1.0, across the Susquehanna River between Perryville and Havre de Grace, MD beginning weekdays, from July 29, 2013 through August 30, 2013, during daylight hours. This time period encompasses all of the 17 approach spans to the bridge. The swing span inspection is estimated to take several days. The inspection equipment, using a bucket boat, will occupy only one of the navigation channels at a time. The bucket boat will not be left in the channel when not being used but will be moored at a nearby marina. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 27/2013)

Gwynn's Island Bridge Closures:
Mariners are advised that structural rehabilitation and tender house modification will be conducted at the VA State Route 233 (swing) Bridge (37.495024° -76.308216°) over Milford Haven at Gwynn's Island near Hudgins, VA. The construction work may require four 24-hour periods where the drawbridge will be unable to open to navigation between October 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014. Due to restrictions based on vehicular transportation needs, the 24-hour periods will not be consecutive. The Coast Guard will use Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners at least seven days in advance of the changes in operating schedule so that vessels can arrange their transits. The vertical clearance of the swing bridge in the closed-to-navigation position is approximately 12 feet, above mean high water. Vessels able to pass through the drawbridge in the closed position may do so at any time and are advised to proceed with caution. (5th District LNM Week 31/2013)

VIP Shoaling, Comments Requested on Aids to be Discontinued:
Due to the dynamic shoaling conditions in the Virginia Inside Passage (VIP),referred to by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the Waterway on the Coast of Virginia (WCV), the Coast Guard can no longer access the VIP with its aids to navigation servicing vessels. Coupled with the lack of sufficient U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredging maintenance funds the Coast Guard is evaluating the aids to Navigation system to determine whether the conditions for which this system was established has changed. Due to these dynamics shoaling conditions the Coast Guard is proposing to discontinue the following VIP aids to navigation :
A. VIP Warning Daybeacon AA (LLNR 5520) (37-53-56.053N, 075-25-05.767W) to VIP Daybeacon 121 (LLNR 5990).
B. VIP Light 128 (LLNR 6020) (37-35-47.985N, 075-41-12.385W) to VIP Daybeacon 184 (LLNR 6220).
C. Great Machipongo Inlet Junction Light NC (LLNR 6875) (37-27-18.912N, 075-46-32.850W) .
D. VIP Daybeacon 189 (LLNR 6237) (37-30-26.286N, 075-42-02.532W) to VIP Light 230 (LLNR 6390).
E. Virginia Inside Passage Junction Light GV (LLNR 6835) (37-22-04.614N, 075-45-19.422W).
F. Quinby Inlet Entrance Warning Daybeacon A (LLNR 6730) (37-27-49.734N, 075-40-11.604W) to Quinby Inlet Channel Daybeacon 5 (LLNR 6743).
G. Sand Shoal Channel Light 1 (LLNR 6990) (37-17-52.962N, 075-48-02.694W) to Sand Shoal Light 10 (LLNR 6996).
In your comments, please address the impact this proposal may impose on your operation. Also include in your correspondence the means by which you are navigating this waterway and any electronic sensors used while transiting the VIP. Send comments NO LATER THAN 05 AUGUST, 2013 to:
Commander (dpw)
Fifth Coast Guard District
439 Crawford Street, Rm.100
Portsmouth, VA. 23704-5004
Attn: Albert Grimes Or Email: Albert.L.Grimes@uscg.mil(5th District LNM Week 24/2013)

Diving Ops in AICW off Portsmouth Waterfront:
Crofton Diving Corporation will be conducting inspection operations of the existing seawall located adjacent to the Portsmouth Ferry from Tidewater Yacht and Marina to Ocean Marina Yacht Center. Beginning July 15, 2013 and continuing for approximately 6 weeks, or until complete the above listed channel will not be closed to boat traffic, but the company requests that the dive crew be contacted on Channels VHF-FM 13 & 16 if vessels transiting the waterway are within 500 feet of the diving operation. Diving operations are planned 5 days a week from 0700 to 1700. Vessels are requested to proceed though this area with caution and no wake, especially commercial vessels. Dive Locations are 36-50-25.76N, 076-17-45.29W and 36-49-57.53N, 076-17-44.95W. (5th District LNM Week 29/2013)

Harkers Island Bridge to Remain Closed for a Day for Repairs:
Mariners are advised that the Route 70/Harkers Island Swing Bridge (34.717482° -76.576952°), at mile 0.6, across the Straits, in Harkers Island NC, will be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position from 12 p.m. (noon) to 11:59 p.m., on Monday, August 5, 2013 to repair a bridge coupling. The available vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position is approximately 14 feet, above MHW. At all other times, the swing-type drawbridge will operate in accordance with the drawbridge regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.5. Mariners able to pass under the closed span may do so and should adjust their transits accordingly. (5th District LNM Week 29/2013)

Outer Banks Underwater Electric Cable Repair:
Crofton Diving Corp. will be conducting emergency repairs commencing 18 July, 2013, to an underwater electric cable approximately 200ft north of the Washington Baum Bridge from the shoreline on the east end of the bridge between Nags Head and Manteo. The work coordinates will be 35-53-47.59N/075-37-26.06W and 35-53-47.70N, 075-37-21.40W. The waterway will be closed to all marine traffic during repair operations. Diving operations will be conducted from a barge moored on site. Supervisors may be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16 or (757) 397-1131. (5th District LNM Week 30/2013)

NC AICW Shoaling:
Shoaling to a depth of 3.4 feet MLW has been reported in the vicinity of New River- Cape Fear River Buoy 121 (LLNR 39597) (34-14-59.481N, 077-46-56.297W). (5th District LNM Week 31/2013)

NC AICW Bridge Work:NOTE: While most of this is old news, we keep it active because it will affect Snowbirds and local boaters in these very busy waterways.Wrightsville Beach Bridge, UPDATE:
1. Bridge rehabilitation on the US 74/76 Bascule Bridge (34.216103° -77.812750°) at mile 283.1 on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina has been extended until March 1, 2014.
2. To facilitate repairs a crane barge will reduce the available horizontal clearance in the navigable channel from 90 feet to 50 feet. A one hour advance notice is required to remove the barge from the channel for vessels requiring greater than 50 feet horizontal clearance to safely navigate through the bridge. The US 74/76 bascule bridge tender can be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 or 16 to arrange removal of the barge from the channel.
3. Mariners are urged to transit the area with caution at slow no wake speeds.
4. For any comments or questions, contact the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina Waterways Management, (252) 247-4525, or at joseph.m.edge@uscg.mil(5th District LNM Week 25/2013)Snows Cut:
Bridge fender repairs will be in progress from December 20, 2012 until October 31, 2013 on the US 421 Fixed Bridge (Snows Cut) (34.055532° -77.899558°) at mile 295.6 on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. To facilitate repairs a crane barge will reduce the available horizontal clearance in the navigable channel from 100 feet to 60 feet. A one hour advance notice is required to remove the barge from the channel for vessels requiring greater than 50 feet horizontal clearance to safely navigate through the bridge. The work supervisor can be contacted on VHF-FM channels 13 or 16 to arrange removal of the barge from the channel. Mariners are urged to transit the area with caution at slow no wake speeds. For any comments or questions, contact the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina Waterways Management, (252) 247-4525, or at joseph.m.edge@uscg.mil(5th District LNM Week 49/2012)

Murrells Inlet Shoaling:
There is excessive shoaling in Murrells Inlet between Buoy 4A (LLNR 1778) (33-31-40.766N, 079-01-56.991W) and LB 6 (LLNR 1780). Murrells Inlet Buoy 4 (LLNR 1775) has been relocated to position 33-31-38.101N/079-01-48.839W to better mark the channel and shoaling. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 30/2013)

Bridge Fender Hazard to Navigation:
The fender pilings at the eastern span of the I-17 James Island Bridge pose a hazard to navigation. A TRLB has been established in position 32-46.818N, 079-57.416W with Fl Q W, 4M. Mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution. (7th District LNM Week 30/2013)

Lady's Island Bridge Two Hour Notice for Openings, Night Closure:
The Lady's Island (Woods Memorial) Bridge (32.427443° -80.669185°) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 536.0, Beaufort, South Carolina has been placed on a two hour advance notification for openings, due to repairs. These restrictions will be in place until August 30, 2013.
As the contractor has found additional problem with the bridge machinery they have requested the parts that are anticipated to arrive by July 28th, 2013. For this reason the Lady's Island Bridge will be allowed to remain closed from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. seven-days a week from July 29 through August 21, 2013. The two hour advance notice for an opening remains in effect during all other times. (7th District LNM Week 27/2013)

Upper Savannah River Markers to be Removed:
The following changes will be made to the aids to navigation system in the Upper Savannah River.
All Upper Savannah River Daybeacons and Buoys from Statue Mile 27.5 thru Statue Mile 199 (LLNRs 5170-5575) will be permanently discontinued. There are 79 aids to navigation that will be removed. This action is scheduled for the week of August 19, 2013. (7th District LNM Week 30/2013)

Upper Savannah River Changes in Some Aids:
The following changes will be made to the aids to navigation system in the Upper Savannah River.
Upper Savannah River Buoy 100 (LLNR 5565) will be relocated to approximate position 33-28-08.000N/081-56-06.000W and change to Obstruction Buoy A displaying a white non-lateral buoy with an orange diamond.
Upper Savannah River Buoy 102 (LLNR 5570) will be relocated to approximate position 33-28-12.000N/081-56-34.000W and change to Obstruction Buoy B displaying a white non-lateral buoy with an orange diamond.
Upper Savannah River Buoy 104 (LLNR 5575) will be relocated to approximate position 33-28-20.000N/081-56-55.000W and change to Obstruction Buoy C displaying a white non-lateral buoy with an orange diamond.
Upper Savannah River Obstruction Buoy D (LLNR 5576) will be established in approximate position 33-28-33.000N/081-57-23.000W displaying a white non-lateral buoy with an orange diamond.
Upper Savannah River Obstruction Buoy E (LLNR 5577) will be established in approximate position 33-28-37.000N/081-57-30.000W displaying a white non-lateral buoy with an orange diamond.
Upper Savannah River Obstruction Buoy F (LLNR 5578) will be established in approximate position 33-28-41.000N/081-57-38.000W displaying a white non-lateral buoy with an orange diamond.
This action is scheduled for the week of August 19, 2013. (7th District LNM Week 31/2013)

Kings Bay, GA Dredging:
Southern Dredging Co will commence dredge operations on or about July 15, 2013. The Dredge "CHEROKEE" will be working in the Kings Bay Inner Channel in Cumberland Sound between Range D, Cumberland Sound LB 40 (LLNR 6925/37755) (30-45-55.351N, 081-29-05.538W) near Drum Point Island to Range G (the security fence at Crab Island). The Dredge will operate on a 24 hours per day, 7 day per week basis until approximately November 15th, 2013. Dredged material will be transported by pipeline to the Crab Island disposal site on the West side of the river. To ensure safe passage in the vicinity of the operation, boaters should establish contact with the dredge on VHF marine channels 13 and 16. The points of contact for this project are Neil Rodgers at 843-729-1269 or Michael Kitchell at 843-830-1015. (7th District LNM Week 29/2013)

Maintenance Dredging Sawpit Creek, Nassau Sound Areas:
Cottrell Contracting Corp will begin dredge operations July 12, 2013 through September 15, 2013 in the vicinity of Sawpit Creek and Nassau Sound (30.522331° -81.456127°) between South Amelia River Lt 44 (LLNR 38135) to Sawpit Creek LT 50 (LLNR 38195). The Dredge RICHMOND will monitor VHF channels 13 and 16. The project will be conducted twenty-four (24) hours per day seven (7) days per week. Traffic should call 30 minutes prior to expected time of passage.(7th District LNM Week 29/2013)
For additional information regarding this issue and others may be obtained by accessing the Jacksonville District website:http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Navigation/NoticestoNavigation.aspx
US Army Corps of Engineers point of contact is Ms. Shelley Trulock, Senior Project Manager at 904-232-3292. (Excerpt from a June 27 Notice to Navigation Interests, USACE Jacksonville)

EPA Surveys off North Florida:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be conducting ocean survey operations aboard the NOAA Ship NANCY FOSTER offshore Northeast Florida August 10-14, 2013 from Jacksonville to Fernandina Beach. The operation will run 24 hours. Vessels Involved: NOAA Ship Nancy Foster and small boats; Call Letters: WTER. The vessels will monitor VHF-FM radio frequency channel 16. Locations are center coordinates of survey areas:
Jacksonville ODMDS: 2NM radius around 30deg 21' N; 81deg18' W
Jacksonville ODMDS: 3NM radius around 30deg 32' N; 81deg18' W
The vessel will have limited maneuverability. There will be diving from the small boats for sediment sampling. Mariners are to avoid close proximity of the survey vessel and the small boats at all times. Point of Contact: Chris McArthur, office (404) 562-9391; NOAA Ship cell (843) 991-6326, OOD (843) 697-0901. (7th District LNM Week 30/2013)

Okeechobee Waterway Update:
On July 31, 2013 at 2400 hours the lake level was reported at 15.85 feet and the navigational depths were reported at 9.79 feet for Route 1 (26°58'32.23"N, 80°38'22.92"W) and 7.99 feet for Route 2 (Rim Route) (26°47'0.61"N, 26°47'0.61"N) You can usually check the daily lake level and navigational depths at http://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/reports/r-oke.html

USACE Advises Public of Maximum Water Releases for Lake Okeechobee:
1. USACE will begin maximum water releases out of Lake Okeechobee through the Okeechobee Waterway (OWW) (i.e. east and west) beginning on 25 July 2013 due to sustained high Lake Okeechobee water levels and continued increase in the rate of rise. Maximum releases will remain in place until further notice. These maximum releases include releases through the OWW locks to augment the discharge capability of the spillways. As a result, navigation interests may be affected. Lockage restrictions may be in place at the discretion of the lock operators for safety reasons, depending on conditions.
2. For additional information regarding this issue and others may be obtained by accessing the
Jacksonville District website:http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Navigation/NoticestoNavigation.aspx
3. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Point of Contact is:
Mr. Luis Alejandro
Basin Manager, Water Management Section
Multi Projects Branch
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Jacksonville District
701 San Marco Blvd.
P.O. Box 4970
Jacksonville, Florida 32232-0019
(904) 232-3034 – office (904) 402-5887 - mobileIn reply refer to:CESAJ-PM-WNP.O. Box 4970Jacksonville, Fl 32232-0019(7th District LNM Week 31/2013)

Navy Testing off Port Everglades:
The US NAVY will be testing a 40' experimental small craft in the water 2 NM South of Port Everglades Inlet (26.085396°-80.097828°) and .75 NM from the beach in approximately 30-40 feet of water. The vessel will be conducting maneuvers over the deployed sensor field. The operations are scheduled within a period beginning on 0700 hrs 01 Aug to 1800 hrs on 02 Aug 2013. The vessel will be restricted in ability to maneuver. All vessels are asked to stay well clear of the small craft during operations. (7th District LNM Week 29/2013)

Bakers Haulover Inlet AICW Shoaling Update:
Severe shoaling continues to encroach the Intracoastal Waterway near Bakers Haulover Inlet. The shoaling has been reported most severe in the vicinity of Biscayne Bay Buoy 7B (LLNR 47828) (25-54-11.963N, 080-07-47.682W) and extends west beyond the approximate center of the channel. As of July 15th 2013, the available channel depth at high tide was recorded to be 3.5 to 4 feet between Biscayne Bay Buoy 7B and the west side of the channel. This area is subject to frequent changes in depth and direction due to the shifting shoals. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution, seek local knowledge when transiting the area, and use an alternate route when necessary. (7th District LNM Week 29/2013)

Florida Hazards to Navigation:
Amelia River DBN 18 (LLNR 7103/37983) is destroyed. A TRLB "WR 18" FL Q R, 4M is set in position 30-39-56.232N 081-29-03.337W 10 yards channelward of the pile. Mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution. (7th District LNM Week 30/2013)
Barnes Point LT 22 (LLNR 50215) is damaged and leaning to the west. A TRLB "WR22" with Fl Q R, 4M characteristics is marking the remains of the damaged aid. Mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution. (Miami to Marathon) (7th District LNM Week 30/2013)
Hatchett Creek Channel LT 5 (LLNR 57695) is damaged. The SPS is leaning 1ft above the waterline toward outside of the channel. A TRLB is set 5YDS channelward to mark best channel and is tethered to the remains of the pile. The TRLB is displaying an Fl Q G, with 4NM. Mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution. (7th District LNM Week 30/2013)

Boca Grande Channel Shoaling:
The Coast Guard received a report of severe shoaling along the length of Boca Grande Channel entering Charlotte Harbor. Shoaling is reported to a depth of 9ft between Charlotte Harbor Channel Buoy 3A (LLNR 19915) (26-40-53.027N, 082-18-43.106W) and Charlotte Harbor Channel LB 5 (LLNR 19925) as well as 7ft in the vicinity of Charlotte Harbor Channel LB 10 (LLNR 19945). Mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution. (7th District LNM Week 31/2013)

Florida Bridge Update: From the USCG 7th District LNM Week 31/2013:NOTE: Information new with this alert is in bold. There are many on-going projects lasting sometimes for years. You can "Search" a bridge name for previous East Coast Alerts that may contain information that is still current. Bridges that have vertical height reduced (or other severe restriction) will remain on this list until the restriction is removed.Sisters Creek Bridge (AICW Mile 739.2): Superior Construction Company is repairing the Hecksher Drive/Sister's Creek Bridge (30.393797° -81.460001°) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 739.2, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida. This bridge will be placed on a single-leaf operating schedule from July 22 through August 19, 2013 The contractor has advised that they will be able to perform double-leaf openings with a crane between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily with a four-hour notice to the bridge tender.Crescent Beach Bridge (AICW Mile 788.6) Update: Quinn Construction will be working on the Crescent Beach Bridge (29.768299°-81.258256°) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 788.6, Crescent Beach, St. Johns County, Florida from January 7 through August 31, 2013. The Crescent Beach Bridge will be on single-leaf operations from January 7 through August 31, 2013. A double-leaf is available with a four hour advance notice to the bridge tender. ... Please contact Quinn Construction 941-722-7722 for additional information.Lantana Bridge (AICW Mile 1031) Update: GLF Construction Corporation has advised this office that the demolition and replacement of the East Ocean Avenue Bridge (26.583375°-80.046117°) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 1031, Lantana, Palm Beach County, Florida will start on March 20, 2012 and will continue until November 15, 2013.From July 17, 2013 through August 24, 2013, the east bascule leaf will be erected which will allow a 60 feet of horizontal clearance, with unlimited vertical clearance, on the west side of the AICW. If your vessel needs assistance for safe passage, please provide GLF a twenty four hour notice by calling (954) 829-2781 or by contacting the tug "MISS THELMA" on marine channel 16. The contractor will have a barge in the waterway, under the east structural steel leaf between these dates, for safety reasons, maintaining the horizontal clearance of 60 feet while the east bascule leaf is in the down position. If your vessel is wider than 60 feet, but has less than 21 feet of vertical height, please provide GLF a twenty four hour notice by calling (954) 829-2781 or by contacting the tug "MISS THELMA" on marine channel 16, and the barge(s) in the channel can be temporarily moved out of the channel for your vessel to pass through the bridge.From August 26, 2013 through September 7, 2013 it will be necessary, for construction purposes, to have the east and west bascule leafs in the down (closed to navigation) position from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. During this time there will be a minimum of 60 feet of horizontal clearance and 21 feet of vertical clearance. The contract can open one leaf with a four hour advance notice to the phone number above or by calling the tug "MISS THELMA". This will limit the horizontal clearance to 60 feet between these times and dates.Flagler Memorial Bridge (AICW Mile 1021.8):Update: Comments Requested on Nighttime Closure of Flagler Memorial Bridge:
Archer Western Construction has requested that the Coast Guard review their proposal to close the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Flagler Memorial Bridge (AICW Mile 1021.8), West Palm Beach, Florida nightly for up to eight months. This closure would allow Archer Western to aggressively repair the existing Flagler Memorial Bridge in the shortest amount of time so that PCL continue building the new Flagler Memorial Bridge. The Coast Guard is seeking comments from the boating public as we consider this request. Please send all comments to jennifer.s.saviano@uscg.mil and copy michael.b.lieberum@uscg.mil(7th District LNM Week 29/2013)
The Florida Department of Transportation contractor Archer Western has been authorized to limit the horizontal navigational clearance to 25 feet at night and 70 feet during the day, for the emergency repairs of the existing Flagler Memorial Bridge (26.718169° -80.047089°) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 1021.8, Palm Beach, Florida, starting in June 2013. Night time restrictions will limit horizontal clearance to 25 feet between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. daily for up to three month. The Flagler Memorial Bridge will be left in the open to navigation position between these hours.
The full 70 feet of horizontal clearance will be made available with a four hour notice to the on-scene tug.
The temporary waterway restriction limiting horizontal clearance to 70 feet will remain in effect at the existing Flagler Memorial Bridge until the replacement bridge is complete. Mariners are advised that changes to navigational clearance may be necessary as repair conditions develop.
The temporary regulations for the Flagler Memorial and Royal Park Bridges (26.705949°-80.045181°) will remain as follows: Flagler Memorial Bridge schedule will remain on the quarter hour and three-quarter hour except that from 8:16 a.m. to 9:14 a.m. and from 4:16 p.m. to 5:14 p.m., The Royal Park Bridge will remain on the hour and hour-hour schedule except that from 8:01 a.m. to 8:59 a.m. and from 4:31 p.m. to 5:29 p.m. this bridge will be allowed to remain closed to navigation, Monday through Friday until the repairs are completed on the Flagler Memorial Bridge.
Archer Western Inc has advised the bridge owner that they will have divers around the structure in and around the navigable channel Mariners are reminded to avoid diving flags at all times and if the waterway is too restrictive due to this operation to come to all stop until the divers have moved outside the navigable channel. The Coast Guard is working with the bridge owner to address additional safety concerns created by this diving operation.
Due to the unusual circumstances associated with the bridge structure, the bridge owner has requested an emergency back-up plan in case the repairs are unable to be accomplished as anticipated. If the Flagler Memorial Bridge malfunctions and is left in the open to navigation position, the Royal Park and Southern Boulevard Bridges will be placed on restricted schedules to accommodate increased vehicular traffic.
If an emergency occurs, the Royal Park Bridge will be on an hourly schedule at the quarter after the hour, except that from 8:16 a.m. to 10:14 a.m. and from 4:16 p.m. to 6:14 p.m. this bridge will be allowed to remain closed to navigation. The Southern Boulevard Bridge will remain on the twice an hour schedule (top of the hour and bottom of the hour), except that from 8:31 a.m. to 9:59 a.m. and from 4:31 p.m. to 5:59 p.m. this bridge will be allowed to remain closed to navigation.
Additional waterway restrictions will be promulgated once the new Flagler Memorial Bridge construction commences.

This information is not to be used for navigation. Consult the latest charts and Local Notices to Mariners and use prudent seamanship. Conditions may change. Any person or entity that uses this information in any way, as a condition of that use, agrees to waive and does waive and also hold authors harmless from any and all claims which may arise from or be related to this use.